Memory upgrade question in regards to slots (Motherboard has 6 slots)

[defmincex13]

I was looking to upgrade to 12 or 16 gigs of ram. Currently my motherboard has 6 slots running (3 x 2gig) sticks.

Can I buy a (2 x 8gig) set and only use 2 slots or do I need to use all 3 slots on the one channel? Aka a (3x4gig) set to get to 12 gigs total?

 

[defmincex13]

Is it an X58 socket motherboard? If so, its a triple channel memory configuration and I believe you will need to balance the three channels. Ideally you should buy another triple channel kit exactly the same as you have now to run 12 gig. This may take some minor tweaking of memory timings as you should buy a 12 gig kit really, but that will be a lot more expensive. Its a 70% chance adding another kit the same will work without any fiddling about in bios.

Intel X58 is the chip set on the motherboard yes. Asus P6T Motherboard. I was planning on just replacing the current ram kit that is currently (3x2gig)

I was looking to get one of these 3 kits all 3x4gig. (thoughts on which one to get?)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231356
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231358
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231405

but saw a sale for (2x8gig) kit for like 10 bucks more. http://www.newegg.com/Special/ShellShocker.aspx?cm_sp=Homepage_SS-_-P2_20-231-611-_-04012015&RandomID=2370723244820120150401104617

 

[jitpublisher]

Its a triple channel board, you should buy another triple channel kit to either add to, or replace the current memory you have.

Personally, I would try to find another 6 gig kit exactly like what you have now and just add it.